Socceroos v Colombia live: Can Australia secure Bert van Marwijk’s first victory as coach?

THE Socceroos survived a second-half onslaught from Colombia to grab a 0-0 draw in their World Cup warm-up in London in a huge boost to coach Bert van Marwijk after the Norway debacle.

DANIEL Vukovic restored a little of Australia’s shattered sporting pride as the debutant celebrated his birthday by saving Miguel Borja’s penalty in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Colombia.

Amid the fall-out from that shameful cricketing incident in South Africa, Australia’s footballers had the opportunity to give their public something to be proud of. Bert van Marwijk’s side did just that with a gutsy display in their World Cup warm-up friendly against the higher-ranked Colombians in London. REPORT: Vukovic heroics headline improved Roos effort After a 4-1 loss in Norway in Van Marwijk’s first game in charge, this was a more encouraging effort ahead of the World Cup in Russia, where Australia will play Denmark, Peru and France in the group stage. And it came with a welcome feel-good story as Vukovic, who plays in relative anonymity for Belgian side Genk, made a memorable contribution on his 33rd birthday. There were just four minutes left when Vukovic, on as a half-time substitute, conceded a penalty, but he redeemed himself by saving Borja’s strike to ensure Australia avoided a second successive defeat.

Originally published as Socceroos v Colombia live: Can Australia secure Bert van Marwijk’s first victory as coach?